Vizhinjam Begins EXIM Operations, Kerala Launches Mission Samudra

Vizhinjam International Seaport formally began export-import (EXIM) operations on Tuesday, August 18, completing its transition from a transhipment-only facility to a port capable of handling gateway cargo directly.

Chief Minister V D Satheesan flagged off the first two export containers, bound for Europe with food products sourced from Nilamel and Aspinwall in Kollam district. The consignment included traditional Kerala food items such as idli, sambar and banana fritters.

The port had earlier secured customs clearance to function as a gateway cargo terminal, along with the electronic clearance systems required for import and export traffic. With direct shipping links to ports across six continents, Kerala exporters can now route cargo without depending on overseas transhipment hubs, cutting both transit time and cost.

Mission Samudra

The same event marked the launch of Mission Samudra, the state government’s maritime development programme. The plan aims to integrate Kerala’s two international ports, one container terminal and 18 minor ports along the state’s roughly 600-kilometre coastline into a single maritime network, and to develop a port-city economy supported by private investment.

Speaking at the function, Satheesan called the day a significant moment in the state’s development and said Vizhinjam had opened a direct route to global markets. He also said the port operates on an automated, algorithm and artificial intelligence driven system, which he described as a first for an Indian port.

Connectivity and land acquisition

The Chief Minister criticised the previous government for delays in road and rail connectivity, saying the state’s gains would have been far larger had the links been completed over the past decade. He said his government allocated Rs 3,200 crore towards land acquisition for the Rs 15,000 crore Vizhinjam Ring Road project within its first 100 days, and that the same acquisition would have cost around Rs 1,600 crore had it been taken up earlier. He added that state obligations under the port concession agreement would be met within a fixed timeframe.

State agencies KINFRA and INKEL have been directed to acquire land in Thiruvananthapuram for port-linked development, including logistics parks, warehousing, container freight stations, free industrial zones and fish-processing facilities.

Kerala Brand and coastal projects

The government also plans to use the port to expand exports of coir, cashew, handloom and spices, supported by a proposed official Kerala Brand certification for quality assurance in international markets.

Other proposals announced under Mission Samudra include a cruise terminal at Kochi, passenger ship services linking Dubai, Goa, Kasaragod and Thiruvananthapuram, river cruise projects across the state’s 44 rivers and backwaters, an oceanarium and maritime museum at Kochi, and a specialised port consultancy at Vizhinjam offering technical expertise to port projects in India and abroad.

At the event

The function was presided over by Industries, IT and Commerce Minister P K Kunhalikutty. Adani Ports Vizhinjam CEO Ashwini Gupta, M Vincent MLA, VISL Managing Director Jeromic George IAS and Port Department Secretary U Rathan Khelkar were present. Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, listed as chief guest, did not attend, nor did BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar or Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan and LDF MLAs from the district.

Vizhinjam has been developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd under a public-private partnership at an estimated cost of Rs 8,867 crore. The port received its commercial commissioning certificate in December 2024 and was dedicated to the nation in May 2025.